PrepTest 128 Section 2

Choose a question

Explanations for every question, find them by number or text.

1. Q1:
   Mysterious ancient tracks cut into limestone have …Strengthen

   The tracks were made by animal-drawn carts around 1000 B.C.

2. Q2:
   Book collector: The demand for out-of-print books …Most Strongly Supported

   The demand for out-of-print books is increasing.

3. Q3:
   Agriculture researcher: Because of its slow decomposition …Flawed Reasoning

   Farmers should use a mix of paper and manure rather than either alone.

4. Q4:
   In the spring and fall, eastern pipistrelle bats …Paradox

   More bats leave their caves on warm nights since that’s when their prey is abundant.

5. Q5:
   Some people dislike their jobs but still go to work …Complete the Argument

   This makes it difficult to ___ (we are asked to find the conclusion).

6. Q6:
   The effect of technology on language and the effects of …Principle – Conform

   Relationships between people are more casual than ever.

7. Q7:
   Builder: Within ten years, most of the new homes constructed …Weaken

   Within 10 years, most new houses in North America will be made of steel instead of wood.

8. Q8:
   Candidate: The children in our nation need a better education …Role in Argument

   My opponent places too much blame on schools for the state of education.

9. Q9:
   A proposed amendment would allow the city council to decide …Flawed Reasoning

   Voting by mail shouldn’t be allowed and the proposal should be rejected.

10. Q10:
    Columnist: Raising the minimum wage to the level recently proposed …Necessary Assumption

    Raising minimum wage to the proposed level will hurt, not help, low-income workers.

11. Q11:
    A recently completed study of several hundred subjects …Strengthen

    Exercise can increase one’s life span.

12. Q12:
    Shaw: Regulatory limits on pollution emissions from power …Miscellaneous
13. Q13:
    Scientist: There is little doubt that the ice ages were …Identify the Conclusion

    Excessive vegetation growth most likely caused the ice ages.

14. Q14:
    A promise is defined as any agreement that yields an …Principle – Application
15. Q15:
    H. G. Wells’s great dramatic novel *The Time Machine* is …Sufficient Assumption

    The Time Machine should not be classified as science fiction.

16. Q16:
    Laurel: Modern moral theories must be jettisoned …Point At Issue
17. Q17:
    Archaeologists excavating a Neanderthal campsite found …Weaken

    Neanderthals were not nomadic.

18. Q18:
    Critic: The contemporary novel is incapable of making important …Flawed Parallel Reasoning

    The contemporary novel cannot make important new contributions.

19. Q19:
    Criminologist: According to a countrywide tabulation of all …Paradox

    Police reports show that the crime rate has risen substantially over the last 20 years, but independent surveys of citizens suggest a decrease.

20. Q20:
    Geologist: A new method for forecasting earthquakes has …Sufficient Assumption

    The new earthquake-forecasting model is unlikely to be useful.

21. Q21:
    Cultural anthropological theory tends to fall into two …Most Strongly Supported

    Cultural anthropologists should employ both existing approaches and integrate a third perspective.

22. Q22:
    Journal editor: Our treasurer advises that because of …Flawed Reasoning

    The journal should switch from a paper version to an online version.

23. Q23:
    Some people believe there is intelligent life somewhere …Parallel Reasoning

    Some people do not believe that all planets other than Earth are devoid of life.

24. Q24:
    Clarissa: The natural sciences would not have made such …Point At Issue
25. Q25:
    Although Stillwater Pond has been polluted by farm runoff …Flawed Reasoning

    The fishing guide believes that the bullhead catfish has adapted best to polluted water.